Fri, 25 December 2015
In this Midnight Mass homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church for the Feast of Christmas, Fr. Riccardo discusses a Russian icon of the Trinity, some common objections to faith, how Jesus has translated God, an event happening now, and a commissioning for all Catholics. |
Mon, 21 December 2015
Fr. Riccardo preached at all of the Masses this past weekend. In this homily from the Saturday Vigil Mass, Fr. John asks the congregation, "Where is our enthusiasm?" He questions why so many parishioners remain apathetic in light of all that God has done for us. Fr. John offers some suggestions to parishioners who desire an encounter with God. He also discusses what is necessary to become an adult disciple of Jesus. |
Thu, 17 December 2015
“Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” In his third Lectio Divina reflection during Advent, Fr. John Riccardo takes a closer look at John the Baptist and Jesus. |
Thu, 10 December 2015
In his second Lectio Divina talk during Advent, Fr. Riccardo discusses the importance of Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy. |
Thu, 10 December 2015
On the weekend of November 6 & 7, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish hosted an Unbound Conference. Attendees learned and experienced the Unbound model of prayer using the five keys (repentance, forgiveness, renunciation, taking authority, and blessing) taught by Neal Lozano in this book Unbound. The conference was led by John and Michelle Kazanjian from Renewal Ministries. Audio from the conference will be posted in eight parts. Session 7 contains the presentation of Fr. John Riccardo-Abba, Father": The Fifth Key, Receiving the Father's Blessing. |
Thu, 10 December 2015
On the weekend of November 6 & 7, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish hosted an Unbound Conference. Attendees learned and experienced the Unbound model of prayer using the five keys (repentance, forgiveness, renunciation, taking authority, and blessing) taught by Neal Lozano in this book Unbound. The conference was led by John and Michelle Kazanjian from Renewal Ministries. Audio from the conference will be posted in eight parts. Session 6 contains the testimony of Fr. Pierre Ingram-How God Set Me Free from Fear. |
Thu, 10 December 2015
On the weekend of November 6 & 7, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish hosted an Unbound Conference. Attendees learned and experienced the Unbound model of prayer using the five keys (repentance, forgiveness, renunciation, taking authority, and blessing) taught by Neal Lozano in this book Unbound. The conference was led by John and Michelle Kazanjian from Renewal Ministries. Audio from the conference will be posted in eight parts. This is session 5-Don't Drink the Poison: Forgiveness, the Second Key to Freedom (with testimony from Nancy DeBacker and Marion Hornacek). |
Thu, 10 December 2015
On the weekend of November 6 & 7, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish hosted an Unbound Conference. Attendees learned and experienced the Unbound model of prayer using the five keys (repentance, forgiveness, renunciation, taking authority, and blessing) taught by Neal Lozano in this book Unbound. The conference was led by John and Michelle Kazanjian from Renewal Ministries. Audio from the conference will be posted in eight parts. This is session 4-In and Out: Renunciation and Authority, The Third and Fourth Keys to Freedom. |
Thu, 10 December 2015
On the weekend of November 6 & 7, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish hosted an Unbound Conference. Attendees learned and experienced the Unbound model of prayer using the five keys (repentance, forgiveness, renunciation, taking authority, and blessing) taught by Neal Lozano in this book Unbound. The conference was led by John and Michelle Kazanjian from Renewal Ministries. Audio from the conference will be posted in eight parts. This is session 3-Sorry, Please, Thank You: Repentance & Faith, The First Key to Freedom. |
Thu, 10 December 2015
On the weekend of November 6 & 7, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish hosted an Unbound Conference. Attendees learned and experienced the Unbound model of prayer using the five keys (repentance, forgiveness, renunciation, taking authority, and blessing) taught by Neal Lozano in this book Unbound. The conference was led by John and Michelle Kazanjian from Renewal Ministries. Audio from the conference will be posted in eight parts. This is Fr. Riccardo's homily from the Mass preceding the Saturday sessions. |
Thu, 10 December 2015
On the weekend of November 6 & 7, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish hosted an Unbound Conference. Attendees learned and experienced the Unbound model of prayer using the five keys (repentance, forgiveness, renunciation, taking authority, and blessing) taught by Neal Lozano in this book Unbound. The conference was led by John and Michelle Kazanjian from Renewal Ministries. Audio from the conference will be posted in eight parts. This is session 2-Deliverance is a Good Word: What Deliverance Really Means and Why We All Need It. |
Thu, 10 December 2015
On the weekend of November 6 & 7, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish hosted an Unbound Conference. Attendees learned and experienced the Unbound model of prayer using the five keys (repentance, forgiveness, renunciation, taking authority, and blessing) taught by Neal Lozano in this book Unbound. The conference was led by John and Michelle Kazanjian from Renewal Ministries. Audio from the conference will be posted in eight parts. This is session 1-Born into a Battle: The Reality of Spiritual Warfare. |
Fri, 4 December 2015
On Wednesday evenings during Advent the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed following the celebration of Mass (6:30 PM), and Fr. Riccardo will offer a reflection on the readings for the upcoming Sunday along with praise and worship. This podcast contains Fr. John's reflections from December 2nd. |
Mon, 16 November 2015
While considering the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and reflecting on the scripture readings for this day (DN 12:1-3; HEB 10:11-14, 18; MK 13:24-32), Fr. Riccardo discusses the Book of Life and the Book of Our Lives-what we have done with our lives. Fr. John emphasizes the need to erase sin from our lives through the Sacrament of Confession, giving alms, and helping those less fortunate. |
Sat, 14 November 2015
In this third of four scheduled Wednesday evening talks looking at some big questions that God has for each of us Fr. Riccardo addresses discusses Jesus' Surprising Question to Peter and to Us. |
Mon, 26 October 2015
In this second of four scheduled Wednesday evening talks looking at some big questions that God has for each of us Fr. Riccardo addresses the question What are you Looking For? |
Mon, 19 October 2015
Fr. Riccardo looks at service to God and service to each other in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John discusses how our disordered hearts can be a barrier to service and remarks that by following the example of Christ and growing in conformity to Him we can find happiness, fulfillment, and peace through service. |
Fri, 16 October 2015
In this first of four scheduled Wednesday evening talks looking at some big questions that God has for each of us Fr. Riccardo addresses the question Where are You? |
Mon, 12 October 2015
While reflecting on the scripture readings of this day (WIS 7:7-11, HEB 4:12-13, MK 10:17-30), Fr. Riccardo looks at what God wants us to know and what God wants us to do. Fr. John tells us that things cannot bring true satisfaction, only God can satisfy our hearts. |
Mon, 12 October 2015
On the 8th of October, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish hosted the Pilgrimage of Mercy: The Tour of the Major Relics of St. Maria Goretti. Auxiliary Bishop Michael Byrnes presided at a Solemn Mass celebrated in St. Maria's honor. This is Bishop Byrnes' homily from that Mass. |
Sun, 27 September 2015
Fr. Riccardo reflects on the visit of Pope Francis to the United States in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. Fr. John remarks that we must first encounter the love of God before we can truly understand church doctrine. He reminds the congregants that God is calling all of us to grow in faith, and to give witness to others of all that God has done for us. |
Mon, 14 September 2015
Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish hosted a Welcome Mass on Sunday, September 13th. This podcast contains Fr. Riccardo's opening remarks from that Mass as well as his homily. |
Thu, 10 September 2015
This is Fr. Riccardo's homily from the Mass of the Holy Spirit celebrated at the start of the new school year. |
Sun, 6 September 2015
While considering the gospel account from St. Mark (MK 7:31-37) of Jesus healing a deaf man, Fr. Riccardo discusses the importance of silence in our lives. Fr. John proposes that the congregants spend some time each week before the exposed Blessed Sacrament in the Day Chapel to grow in their relationship with Christ. |
Mon, 31 August 2015
Fr. Riccardo discusses how Christian life is taught in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. Fr. John looks at the reasons behind the rules and the gift of the moral law, and points out that we need to encounter Christ before all the rules make sense. Fr. John proposes Alpha as a starting point for encountering Christ. |
Mon, 10 August 2015
While reflecting on the first reading from Kings (1 KGS 19:4-8) and the gospel of St. John (JN 6:41-51), Fr. Riccardo tells us that we are not alone. Fr. John looks at food in the scripture readings as a foreshadowing of the Eucharist, and reminds the congregants that God will miraculously provide for us when we are not strong enough on our own to deal with the burdens of life. |
Mon, 6 July 2015
While focusing on the readings of this day (EZ 2:2-5, 2 COR 12:7-10, MK 6:1-6), Fr. Riccardo discusses our lack of trust in God. Fr. John tells the congregation that this can change through an encounter with Him. Fr. John encourages the congregants to respond to this encounter by surrendering, and doing everything for God with intense gratitude and devotion for the One who has done everything for us. |
Mon, 29 June 2015
Fr. Riccardo discusses the marriage equality decision of the United States Supreme Court in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. |
Mon, 22 June 2015
While reflecting on recent events in the world and in our country, Fr. Riccardo asks the congregation whether anger is always sinful. Fr. John exhorts the congregants to, "Strive to do good as best we can, to ask the Lord for the grace to get angry about the right things in the right way, and to pray for those who are most in need of God's mercy." |
Mon, 15 June 2015
Fr. Riccardo looks at our obligation as Catholics to spread the faith to the best of our ability in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John discusses the parish mission in light of the Him first campaign while considering the issue involved, the ramifications of not participating, and the possible benefit. Fr. John encourages the congregants to offer a most credible witness to our community of the difference that Jesus makes. |
Mon, 8 June 2015
In this homily for the Feast of Corpus Christi, Fr. Riccardo tells the congregation that God is inviting us of offer others a life changing encounter with Jesus. Fr. John invites the congregants to a town hall meeting in the church on June 17th. The evening will include an overview of OLGC’s new vision, values and strategic plan; an update on the building expansion; and an inspiring conversion story. Fr. John concludes by looking at the response that is needed from parishioners to achieve this vision and encourages everyone to put Him first. |
Fri, 5 June 2015
Fr. Riccardo addresses the eighth grade graduating class of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish School in this homily from the 2015 Graduation Mass. |
Mon, 1 June 2015
On The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Fr. Riccardo preached at the 10 AM Mass honoring parish members completing their high school or college studies. Fr. John tells the congregants that they can get through any ordeal in life if they have a radical trust in God, who provides grace for the moment, and who promises to be with us always. Fr. John missions the congregants to tell other about Him. |
Mon, 1 June 2015
Fr. Riccardo remarks that Jesus sent his disciples and St. Paul out into the world to preach a different world view that God created everything out of nothing, with the human person the highlight of everything and made to share His life. Fr. John reaffirms a discipleship challenge from Archbishop Vigneron to repropose Jesus to a world that has never heard of Him or has walked away from Him. |
Tue, 26 May 2015
Fr. Riccardo honors Brian Hill with this homily from his funeral Mass. |
Tue, 26 May 2015
Each year Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish School celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel with a Streamer Day Mass to recognize the eighth grade students who will soon complete their final studies at the elementary school. Fr. Riccardo's homily from this year's Mass is presented here. Since the actual Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel fell on a weekend this year, the Mass was celebrated on May 15th. |
Tue, 26 May 2015
In this homily for the Feast of Pentecost, Fr. Riccardo looks at the role of the Holy Spirit in helping us fulfill the mission of our parish. Fr. John reflects on the lives of St. Peter and on that of Brian Hill as he takes a look at what each of us can do through an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. |
Mon, 18 May 2015
Fr. Riccardo discusses our parish mission in this homily from the 4 PM Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John looks at the importance of the laity in accomplishing the mission and cites the example of Brian Hill, who was recently called to his eternal rest. |
Mon, 11 May 2015
Fr. Riccardo reflects on his recent trip to Italy and a viewing of the Shroud of Turin in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John discusses the great love shown by Jesus in His sacrifice on the cross and His commandment to us to love one another (JN 15:9-17). |
Mon, 27 April 2015
In this homily for the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Fr. Riccardo offers a personal testimony describing how he developed a strong devotion to Mary and ultimately consecrated his life to her using Fr. Michael E. Gaitley's book 33 Days to Morning Glory. |
Mon, 20 April 2015
Fr. Riccardo discusses three recent experiences, shares three words from scripture, and offers three suggestions for the week ahead in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. |
Wed, 8 April 2015
In this homily from the Easter Vigil Mass, Fr. Riccardo considers the last words of Jesus in relation to one parish family and in relation to the mission of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish. Fr. John reminds the congregants that when the world has nothing to offer, He has everything. Fr. John encourages all parishioners to strive to live their lives so that others will encounter Jesus and come to know Him. |
Fri, 3 April 2015
“I thirst for you” is the theme of our Lady of Good Counsel Parish. This message reflects the convergence of two thirsts - our thirst for Jesus that can only be quenched by knowing Him, and His thirst for each and every one of us at every single moment. The beautiful “I thirst for you” prayer written by Blessed Mother Teresa best describes this undying love, always there standing at the door of our hearts. Fr. Riccardo leads a Good Friday meditation with this prayer before the service at Our Lady of Good Counsel. |
Wed, 1 April 2015
On Wednesday's during Lent, Fr. Riccardo is leading a scripture study to help participants experience the Word of God in a whole new way. Fr. John leads a reflection on the upcoming gospel reading during a Rite of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction. Deacon Vince Small leads this session. |
Sun, 29 March 2015
While reflecting on the Passion narrative from St. Mark (MK 14:1-15:47), Fr. Riccardo tells the congregation that this is not a tragedy, but a story of Jesus entering into glorious combat for us. It is the means by which He brings us home. |
Wed, 25 March 2015
On Wednesday's during Lent, Fr. Riccardo is leading a scripture study to help participants experience the Word of God in a whole new way. Fr. John leads a reflection on an upcoming Sunday reading during a Rite of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction. |
Sun, 22 March 2015
Fr. Riccardo discusses suffering in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. While reflecting on the suffering endured by his own mother, Fr. John points out that our suffering allows us to share in Christ's passion. By uniting our suffering to His cross, we too can participate in the salvation of the human race. |
Wed, 18 March 2015
On Wednesday's during Lent, Fr. Riccardo is leading a scripture study to help participants experience the Word of God in a whole new way. Fr. John leads a reflection on the upcoming gospel reading during a Rite of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction. Deacon Jonathan Fasnacht leads this session. |
Tue, 17 March 2015
Fr. Riccardo concludes the Alpha 201 series with this discussion of love. Fr. John looks at how we love as individuals and how we love as catholic disciples of Jesus. The Alpha 201 series was videotaped, and may be viewed on the Our Lady of Good Counsel YouTube Channel. |
Tue, 17 March 2015
In this seventh talk of the Alpha 201 series, Fr. Riccardo talks about the acts of praise and worship in the life of intentional disciples. What is it? Why do we do it? Does one have to be charismatic to praise God? The Alpha 201 series was videotaped, and may be viewed on the Our Lady of Good Counsel YouTube Channel. |
Tue, 17 March 2015
In this sixth talk of the Alpha 201 series, Fr. Riccardo talks about the theme of surrender in Scripture and in the life of somebody who lives a life of discipleship. The Alpha 201 series was videotaped, and may be viewed on the Our Lady of Good Counsel YouTube Channel. |
Tue, 17 March 2015
In this fifth talk of the Alpha 201 series, Fr. Riccardo discusses the topic of greed. The Alpha 201 series was videotaped, and may be viewed on the Our Lady of Good Counsel YouTube Channel. |
Tue, 17 March 2015
In this fourth talk of the Alpha 201 series, Fr. Riccardo talks about the nature of human suffering and how we are to understand it and live it when suffering comes. The Alpha 201 series was videotaped, and may be viewed on the Our Lady of Good Counsel YouTube Channel. |
Tue, 17 March 2015
In this third talk of the Alpha 201 series, Fr. Riccardo leads the community in an immersion into the Word of God to encounter Jesus as we think about what gives us fear and anxiety as pilgrims on the sea of life. The Alpha 201 series was videotaped, and may be viewed on the Our Lady of Good Counsel YouTube Channel. |
Tue, 17 March 2015
In January of 2014, Fr. Riccardo began an eight part series titled Alpha 201. In this second talk of the Alpha 201 series, Fr. John discusses why and how forgiveness sets men and women free from bondage and slavery. The Alpha 201 series was videotaped, and may be viewed on the Our Lady of Good Counsel YouTube Channel. |
Tue, 17 March 2015
In January of 2014, Fr. Riccardo began an eight part series titled Alpha 201. In the first week of Alpha 201, Fr. John discusses the goal & purpose of life. The Alpha 201 series was videotaped, and may be viewed on the Our Lady of Good Counsel YouTube Channel. |
Mon, 16 March 2015
Fr. Riccardo asks the congregation what they feel when they see Jesus on the cross. Fr. John encourages the congregants to contemplate a true friendship with Him and then reflect once again on the crucifix. |
Wed, 11 March 2015
On Wednesday's during Lent, Fr. Riccardo is leading a scripture study to help participants experience the Word of God in a whole new way. Fr. John leads a reflection on the upcoming gospel reading during a Rite of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction. |
Mon, 9 March 2015
Fr. Riccardo reflects on the gospel reading from St. John (JN 2:13-25) in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John remarks that judgment is real and asks the congregation to consider what must be done right now to be reconciled with God and one another. |
Wed, 4 March 2015
On Wednesday's during Lent, Fr. Riccardo is leading a scripture study to help participants experience the Word of God in a whole new way. Fr. John leads a reflection on the upcoming gospel reading during a Rite of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction. |
Wed, 25 February 2015
On Wednesday's during Lent, Fr. Riccardo is leading a scripture study to help participants experience the Word of God in a whole new way. Learn how to put yourself in the moment and encounter Jesus in scripture. |
Mon, 23 February 2015
In this homily for the first Sunday of Lent, Fr. Riccardo discusses the need for interior transformations. Fr. John encourages the congregants to spend time in prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament asking God to show them the one thing that needs to change in their lives. |
Fri, 20 February 2015
Fr. Riccardo encourages the congregation to treat this lenten season seriously given the events happening to Christians today. Fr. John remarks that the purpose of Lent is to arrived changed come Easter, and encourages each congregant to ask God to show them the one place in their heart where they are most resistant to change. |
Thu, 12 February 2015
Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish is hosting a five-week program looking at the biblical vision of marriage and family. In this final session, Deacon Jonathan Fasnacht discusses how parents can raise their children in the faith. Deacon Jonathan is a transitional deacon assigned to Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish prior to his ordination in June of 2015 for the Diocese of Winona (Minnesota). He is a seminarian at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. |
Wed, 4 February 2015
Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish is hosting a five-week program looking at the biblical vision of marriage and family. In this fourth session, Mary DelPup focuses on the dignity and vocation of women. |
Wed, 28 January 2015
Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish is hosting a five-week program looking at the biblical vision of marriage and family. In this third session, Fr. John discusses the mission and task of fatherhood. |
Mon, 26 January 2015
Fr. Riccardo looks at our mission as evangelists in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John points out that we, like the apostles, are called, taught, fed, and sent out to proclaim the gospel to the people we encounter in our daily lives. |
Fri, 23 January 2015
On the weekend of January 16-18, Fr. Riccardo spoke on discipleship and evangelization at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Sunbury, Ohio. Fr. John gave three talks during the weekend retreat, which SJN has made available. This is Fr. Riccardo's talk on evangelization. |
Fri, 23 January 2015
On the weekend of January 16-18, Fr. Riccardo spoke on discipleship and evangelization at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Sunbury, Ohio. Fr. John gave three talks during the weekend retreat, which SJN has made available. This is the second part of Fr. Riccardo's talk on discipleship. |
Fri, 23 January 2015
On the weekend of January 16-18, Fr. Riccardo spoke on discipleship and evangelization at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Sunbury, Ohio. Fr. John gave three talks during the weekend retreat, which SJN has made available. This is the first part of Fr. Riccardo's talk on discipleship. |
Thu, 22 January 2015
Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish is hosting a five-week program looking at the biblical vision of marriage and family. In this second session, Fr. John discusses Ephesians 5. |
Thu, 15 January 2015
Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish is hosting a five-week program looking at the biblical vision of marriage and family. For the first week, Fr. John discusses the question “Does the biblical vision of marriage have anything to offer us today?” |
Mon, 12 January 2015
Fr. Riccardo discusses sin in this homily for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Fr. John considers the importance of baptism in destroying sin, but points out that this can only happen when we acknowledge sin, repent for our sins, and cease from committing sin. |
Mon, 5 January 2015
Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish hosted a Welcome Mass on Sunday, January 4th. This podcast contains Fr. Riccardo's opening remarks from that Mass as well as his homily. |
Thu, 1 January 2015
Fr. Riccardo discusses the reasons for celebrating the octave of Christmas in this homily from the Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. Fr. Riccardo discusses the importance of praying the rosary, and offers advice to the congregants on how to invite friends and family members to come to know Jesus. |